Contents

Background

In spite of its name, the Stealth Fighter was more accurately a ground-attack or strike bomber aircraft, able to fire up to two missiles at a target before returning to a friendly Air Field to reload. More aptly for its name, the Stealth Fighter was invisible to most enemies at all times except when unloading its missiles or detected by any stealth-detect units and defences. Particularly effective against base defense structures, the Stealth Fighter gained further usefulness later in the war with the introduction of Bunker Buster Bombs.

The majority of US generals had to opt for the Stealth Fighter as a promotional choice if they wished to obtain it. However, Air Force General Granger could obtain them without spending promotional points. Also, keeping with the cutting edge of defensive countermeasures, Granger equipped his Stealth fighters with point defense laser modules to protect them from enemy missiles.

Although periodically useful for clearing Tunnel Networks or garrisoned buildings and taking on individual base defense structures, the Stealth Fighter was seldom used, with the more powerful Raptor used for attacking units and the Aurora for structures. Furthermore, most generals had to spend valuable promotional points on the aircraft.

Made available later in the conflict, following the vast deployment of GLA Tunnel Networks. Bunker Busters were not only capable of eliminating infantry garrisoned in buildings, but also clearing out Tunnel Networks.

Game unit

Strategy

The Stealth fighter was highly effective at attacking construction units such as dozers and workers, and was able to destroy base defenses with ease. Standard base defenses usually did not detect the fighters until they were literally right on top of them. While the Raptor packed a considerably more potent arsenal and capable of attacking air units, they were unable to cross a heated battlefield safely, especially if such units as Quad Cannons and Gattling Tanks were common. The Stealth Fighter was able to slink across the battlefield right on top of or into an opponents base if the proper counter measures were not built. With the bunker busters upgrade the Stealth Bomber was also able to force infantry out of garrisonable structures, often heavily damaged if not killed. A Tunnel Network housing vehicles in it, when bested by a Bunker Buster will also be forced to evacuate the vehicles inside. The only infantry surviving the Bunker Buster are Rangers and hero units except Boss General Black Lotus.

Counters

The Stealth Fighter was comparatively expensive, did little damage to enemy armour, and was vulnerable to a combination of stealth-detecting and anti-aircraft units. Its inability to attack air units was another considerable drawback when compared with the Raptor.

Assessment

Pros

Stealth, most units cannot detect

Effective against base defenses

Bunker Buster allows to kill all garrisoned infantry even in Tunnel Networks

Cons

Somewhat expensive in contrast to the more cost-effective Raptor

Only available via General Promotion (Does not apply to General Granger)

Only effective against base defenses, other structures suffer nothing and does inadequate damage against vehicles

Vulnerable to scouts

Defenseless against aircraft

Needs to reload at an airfield and when grounded it is vulnerable and defenseless.

Quotes

“

Ready for covert mission.- When selected

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“

They won't get a lock.- When selected

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“

Slippery target.- When selected

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“

Stealth Fighter, ready for fly-by.- When selected

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“

Smooth and slick.- When selected

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Undetectable.- When selected

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“

Sneaking in.- When moving

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Running cool and quiet.- When moving

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“

I'll leave no trail.- When moving

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“

No restrictions.- When moving

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Paying a surprise visit.- When ordered to attack land units

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“

In and out.- When ordered to attack land units

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“

That's a lock.- When ordered to attack land units

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“

We're going in.- When ordered to attack land units

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Just passing through.- When ordered to attack land units

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“

He's on my screen.- When ordered to attack air units

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Out of the blue!- When ordered to attack air units

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You got company.- When ordered to attack air units

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Clear the skies!- When ordered to attack air units

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Take 'em out!- When ordered to attack air units

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“

Eject, quick!- When being shot down

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“

This one's lost!- When being shot down

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“

Aaaaaaaaaaa!- When being shot down

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“

Fuel's almost gone!- When run out of fuel

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“

Gotta land soon!- When run out of fuel

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“

Get me down!- When run out of fuel

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“

We're under wraps.- When ordered to patrol

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I'll guard this airspace.- When ordered to patrol

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Surveying the area.- When ordered to patrol

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Cut Laser Stealth Fighter Quotes

“

Laser Stealth Fighter, ready for take-off.- When selected

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“

Laser systems online.- When selected

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Stealth Fighter, ready for laser combat.- When selected

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“

Fill 'em with holes!- When ordered to attack

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“

Blast 'em!- When ordered to attack

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Heat 'em up!- When ordered to attack

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Cut Support Stealth Fighter Quotes

“

Supporting our troops.- When selected

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“

Support Stealth, here.- When selected

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“

Health from above.- When selected

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“

Let's get out there and support our troops.- When moving

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“

Give 'em some health!- When moving

”

Videos

Trivia

The F-22 Raptor's stealth characteristics and avionics are largely superior to that of the outdated F-117A Nighthawk, not to mention that it is capable of engaging both air and ground threats. This was most likely done due to balancing reasons, as making the Raptor as powerful as it is in real life would have made it an overpowered unit.

The Stealth Fighter has unused quotes for attacking aircraft, implying that it was once intended to be a fighter, as its name suggests, as opposed to a bomber.

A special "support" Stealth Fighter was planned for the Superweapon General. It would heal infantry beneath it in a similar manner to the Ambulance, and was probably supposed to complement the unused Repair vehicle. However, only the voice set remains.

According to residual Zero Hour sound files, General Townes was supposed to have his own version of the Stealth Fighter called the Laser Stealth Fighter. However, only the voice quotes remain.